We survived our Bora Bora jet ski adventure yesterday, and there was no bloodshed nor skeletal-muscular damage, so life is good. We weren't even stiff or sore after two hours racing across the water, which was, frankly, a shock. I really thought that we'd be reaching for the ibuprofen bottle as soon as we awoke.
We had more plans for today, but a bit more sedentary ones. After breakfast in the Club Restaurant, we gathered up a few things and took a tender over to Vaitape. There we walked around a bit and were attracted to the music coming from the Église Evangelique, the Protestant church. We weren't dressed to go in, but stood outside a bit listening to the beautiful choir music.
We soon ran into friends we'd met on the Pacific Princess; they'd rented this...I don't know what to call it. Scooter? Buggy? Whatever it is, they rented it just today through the Europecar office right near the tender pier. For $120 for five hours, plus $12 for gas, it was a good way to do a circle island tour on their own, allowing them time to stop at various look outs and beaches.
Being Sunday, Vaitape was a sleepy little village this morning. We've heard from crew members that there is a cyber cafe with wifi, but it was closed today, as were most of the stores.
Finally, we made our way to a long pier located just a short walk from the main Vaitape pier where the ship's tenders come in. Before we'd left home, I'd contacted a friend who works for the Tahiti Tourist Bureau in the US, and he set us up to visit a few of the beautiful resorts while we're in French Polynesia. This was a real opportunity, as most of the resorts are not all that friendly to day trippers (including cruise ship passengers) unless you purchase a day pass, and, even then, most would rather not have their guests imposed upon in any way by those not staying there. Still, we weren't sure exactly what to expect today, our first visit. The Hilton Bora Bora Nui is located on the other side of the motu just behind where the Pacific Princess is anchored, Motu Toopua, and we were able to catch a boat shuttle near the pier. When we arrived after a short (10 minute) ride across that gorgeous blue lagoon, we were greeted with flower leis and shell leis and cool cloths and pineapple juice. I could get used to this!
View from the shuttle boat
First view of the beach
Valentina, the Guest Relations Manager, gave us a quick tour of the property and then let us loose to enjoy the beach and pool and water activities (including sea kayaks and snorkeling) in the lagoon. With an average room cost approaching US$ 1000 per night, this is one nice place!
The water color is amazing
Honestly, this place is just too pretty for words. It's like the ultimate tropical island fantasy. We used the sea kayaks and snorkeled around the coral heads and used the pool and beach and generally lived the dream for a few hours. We had drinks on the beach, but took a look at the lunch menu before we left. Hamburgers were $28; a starter, entree and dessert (you know, a normal cruise ship lunch) would cost about $75 per person. Fantasies apparently are not cheap, which is why cruising on the Pacific Princess in French Polynesia is such a great value for the money.
We took the 2pm shuttle back to the mainland and a Pacific Princess tender was sitting right there when we arrived. Back on the ship, we had a quick, light lunch in the buffet and then washed out our water gear and had a bit of a rest. We had a big evening planned!
Tonight was the second formal night of the cruise, and the Captains Circle party was held at 7:30am. We were the most traveled passengers this cruise, and invited a honeymoon couple; Kaylynn and Jeffrey from Sacramento to join us, then gave them the etched glass commemorative we were awarded as a memento of their honeymoon on the Pacific Princess. We then attended vocalist Claude-Eric's second and final show. What a voice! He sang You Raise Me Up, which always gives me goosebumps; I love that song. We had walked through Vaipate with this morning with Claude-Eric, and he told us he wishes he was staying on for more cruises, too. There is definitely something magical about these islands.
We had skipped coffee and dessert after dinner in order to get to the Captains Circle party, but waiter Jose told us he has an empty table for two at second seating and invited us back. Sorbet and gourmandises later, we are tucked into bed. I am tired tonight, and we have another full day planned tomorrow in Moorea and the next day in Papeete. Where's a sea day when you need one?
